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Third Sunday after Pentecost

Scripture
Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15
Mark 4:26-34

Sermon
Rev. Nancy Mikoski
"Of Seeds and Trees and Birds"

Liturgists
Amy Pszczolkowski
Rev. Casey Aldridge
Nancy Mason
Attend in person or watch the live stream.

Outdoor Reception to honor Casey
and Megan will follow worship.

Link to live streaming.
Click to start the video at 10:15 AM.
(The PPC YouTube channel is your backup.)


 


 
Morning Prayer: "The sunlight greets me in the morning, reminding me that I begin this day in your presence. The air I breathe instructs me that I live by your constant love. Lord, I acknowledge you are my God! I will seek your face in those I meet and make my aim to please and serve you alone, Jesus, my Lord. Amen."
 
Evening Prayer: "The numerous stars shine the wonder of God whose grace is beyond measure. Whisper to me your abundant grace, which sustains me. As I lay down my head, I recall Jesus saying that the Son of Man has no place to lay his head. I imagine Jesus being with those who look for a place to lay their heads. O God, I ask for your mercy and pray for the day when we all can sleep in shalom, trusting in your mysterious work through Jesus Christ, the Savior of all. Amen."
 
From Feasting on the Word Worship Companion Year B Volume 2. Kimberly Bracken Long, ed. WJK. Louisville. 2015
Join in the reception outdoors right after worship.
(weather permitting)


 
  • After worship on June 13 we will say fond farewells to Rev. Casey Aldridge and Music Director Megan Coiley. Weather permitting, join the church family outdoors in the courtyard after worship, around 11 AM.
  • You are invited to a Special Discussion of "On Juneteenth" with the Thursday Racial Equity Group on June 17 and 24, at 2 PM.  Learn more here. 
  • See below another way you can learn about 'Juneteenth' on June 17th/
 
  • The Matthew 25 team shares this additional opportunity to learn about Juneteenth: Celebrate this day of freedom under the stars at Woolsey Park on Friday, June 18 at 8:30 PM with a screening of “Juneteenth - A Celebration of Freedom,” a 30-minute documentary presented by the Hopewell Valley Arts Council in partnership with the Hopewell, Mercer County, and Pennington Libraries.
  • The 'Racial Equity' discussion group that meets on Thursday afternoons, is considering a special evening meeting on the subject of the On Juneteenth and something will be announced in the next This Week issue on the 17th. (To join, you will not be obligated to read the book. There is a lot about Juneteenth, the celebration, on the Internet. However, the book is a very personal story and, once you get into it, it's hard to stop.)
 
  • HOPEWELL VALLEY MOBILE FOOD PANTRY -- They are in particular need of household and personal care items as well as canned meat, especially chicken or beef. Please continue to support this vital local community resource to help those struggling with food insecurity. You may leave your donations at the church in the vestibule between the glass doors, or you may take your donation directly to the Hopewell Valley Mobile Food Pantry. Please avoid glass containers and focus on healthy food. Low salt and low-fat choices are appreciated. 
  • On June 6 there was a Troup 44 Court of Honor for four Scouts and another event on June 8th to celebrate advancements and leadership. See photos and learn how this mission of PPC is thriving because of mentoring by dedicated adults, supportive parents, and hard-working and focused young people.
  • Please continue to support the drive for diapers for HomeFront. Let's keep up the momentum. Tell your neighbors about the need and encourage them to drop off diapers and wipes as well. Let people know that pull-up training pants and larger sizes are usually in short supply and are especially appreciated. This effort has become an important community outreach. Thank you for all you do to support your neighbors through this program.








 
You are Invited to a Special Discussion with the Thursday Racial Equity Group

In her book "On Juneteenth", Annette Gordon-Reed, a professor of history and a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, writes a very personal story from the point of view of her family, whose ancestors were forcibly moved to Texas as slaves in the 1820s. It was on June 19, 1865, that (Union) Major General Gordon Granger announced that legalized slavery had come to an end two years prior. Texas was the last state in which the news about Emancipation was delivered. Ever since then, June 19 is a date that African Americans in Texas have marked to celebrate their endurance. This holiday is now more broadly known and observed. The book tells the stories of the Reconstruction, Jim Crow, and beyond, and it educates the reader about the long shadow slavery still casts on America. The Thursday afternoon "Racial Equity" group is reading the book to better understand in an empathetic way what racism means to people suffering it, and to our nation that has not eliminated it or atoned for it. Texas' economic, political and cultural impact on our country is growing. As people who live on the east coast, we want to understand racism from the perspective of a Texas native and renowned historian.
 
We invite you to read the book or read about it online and join in the discussion on June 17th and 24th (both or either), at 2 PM over Zoom. Contact the church office for the Zoom link. (The book’s 141 pages are 4.5" by 7.5",.) Both Barnes and Noble, and Amazon offer it online and it may be in your local bookstore as well.
 
There are many reviews of the book online, and here is just one of them from the Texas Monthly. 
https://www.texasmonthly.com/arts-entertainment/annette-gordon-reed-on-juneteenth-review/
  • This Sunday the sermon will be based on Mark 4:26-34 which is about Jesus' parable about seeds. Here are links to the scripture-based kids' bulletins: for ages 3+ and for ages 7+. (The answer keys: 3+ and 7+.


It's Court of Honor Season for Scout Troop 44, a mission of PPC.


Congratulations to all!

Rev. Nancy Mikoski offers prayers, asking to bless these hardworking Scouts, their families, and troop leaders.




Receiving their awards on June 6 were (from left to right) 
Matthew Tunkel, Anand Wetzel, Danny Rollo, and Aren Southall.





And these four award winners are not all there is!
The awards on June 6 were only 4 of 8 who are being recognized this year. Two had their ceremony on June 3, the next will be on the 13th, and the final award for this year will be some time over the summer. Congratulations to the Scouts, their parents, and all the leaders who supported and encouraged them to achieve their goals.

Ted Borer is the direct link between our congregation and the scouting program, Here's a brief update from him:

"In PPC’s Scouting programs there is a strong emphasis on youth leadership. Scouts plan the programs, lead meetings, and activities. The adults are there to support them and assure a safe environment.
 
Even during this challenging year, PPC’s Scouting activities have thrived, advancement has been extraordinary, and membership has grown. It’s a wonderful ministry to the youth of our community. {These additional photos] are of [the June 8] Spring Court of Honor at Kunkel Park. Scouts were awarded badges and rank advancements they’d earned over the past year. Michael Southall was issued the leadership award as Scoutmaster of Troop 44G, and other adult leaders were honored for their service. Photos of people just to the right of the pavilion show parents putting neckerchiefs on their children who are just joining Troop 44."
 



 
Congratulations Pennington Presbyterian for continuing this fine outreach to the Hopewell Valley Community! Thank you to Ted and the adult troop leaders for your faithful work. It looks like this program is moving forward in strength.
Merciful Lord, prepare my heart and hear my prayers in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Pray for our Community in Jesus' name that these neighbors and friends are wrapped in God's love.
  • Our graduates who have weathered another unusual school year
  • Our neighbors at the St. James Roman Catholic Church
  • Those who are sick or grieving the deaths of over 600,000 Americans and over 3.7 million worldwide
  • All who are taking the vaccines to protect themselves, their loved ones, neighbors, and the world
  • All the 'helpers' and 'protectors' throughout the world: healthcare workers, essential workers, teachers, vaccinators, police, firefighters, EMTs, and others doing heroic work 
  • Healing of wounds caused by racism and injustice
  • Strong and healthy friendships and partnerships that seek the good of all people
  • Peace and justice for the Israelis and the Palestinians
Continue to Pray in Jesus' name that these members of our church family experience God's healing touch. 
Virginia Silliphant (1); Alyssa Torrens Donovan; Carol Uhrich; Dolores Sherman and family; Marilyn Rutledge; Edna Stout; Jayne and Jay Neary; David Anderson; Marji McAvoy; Bob Fletcher; Virginia Silliphant; Bob Macek; Anna Hillman; Hal Wittlinger's wife Marilyn and his family; Galen Meyer and his family; Edna Neu; Robin Hepburn; Elsa and Charles Koczan; Shirley Norton; Corinne Beyer; Marge Ryan; Michael Berkowitz; Karen Kelly; Dawn Cocco; Caroline Woodward; and all families who are grieving and lonely.


(1) Virginia fell and is hospitalized with a fractured pelvis.
 
Pray for Our Church Family that these friends and neighbors experience God's love in their daily lives. 
We pray each week for those listed alphabetically in our church family directory: Todd, Paula, Carly, Piper, and Ethan Brant; Ron and Barbara Brennfleck; John, Cary, and Anna Bruestle; Bruce, Caren, Genevieve, and Alec Bruns; Christopher Brzezynski and Tess Brzezynski.

Please continue praying for the People of the World that peace and recovery may reign in all regions and nations.  No part of the world seems untouched by some form of natural or human-generated crises or the COVID pandemic. Pray for peace and wisdom for local and global leaders as countries and regions try to respond. Pray for the persistence of citizens in the knowledge that God loves us as they work for a better tomorrow.
 
Let Us Pray ... "Lord God, renew me each day so that I may be a faithful disciple and follow your golden rule, and so I may truly love my neighbors near and far with both words and deeds. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen."
 
Prayer Chain ... 
Contact 
Nancy Lehman to request prayers. She will distribute the request to the PPC's Prayer Chain. If you want to use a telephone, please call Barbara Pratt.

 
Copyright © 2021 Pennington Presbyterian Church, All rights reserved.


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